WPTF Afternoon News

Nick Saban, Urban Meyer, Tiger Woods and Tim Tebow were among the names involved in a college sports roundtable invited to the White House by President Trump last week. The president said he will write an executive order within a week that will "solve all of the problems" brought forth by recent college sports changes. David Glenn joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the meeting.

Duke will raise the minimum wage for eligible employees to $20 per hour effective July 1. The new rate will be among the highest minimum wages offered by regional universities and health systems in North Carolina. Paul Grantham, Vice President of Human Relations for Duke Health, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the wage increase.

Cancer misinformation spreads on social media for a surprisingly sympathetic reason: people think they're helping. New research from UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media suggests that well-intentioned impulse can be redirected with a simple nudge. Allison Lazard of UNC-Chapel Hill joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss ways to correct misconceptions.

Former N.C. State head football coach Lou Holtz has passed away. Holtz was the head coach of the Wolfpack from 1972-to-1975, where he led the Wolfpack to the 1973 ACC Championship and a win over Kansas in the Liberty Bowl. Holtz left Raleigh in 1975 to become the head coach of the New York Jets. N.C. State historian Tim Peeler joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Holtz’s stint in Raleigh during a legendary career.

In a recent High Point University Poll, 46% of adult North Carolinians favored switching to year-round daylight-saving time, which would result in more evening daylight. Martin Kifer, director of surveys of High Point University, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the survey.

The Military Family Advisory Network is stepping up to help military families as the situation between Iran and America intensifies. Shannon Razadin is a military spouse who understands how difficult the experience of sending a loved one to battle can be. She’s the CEO of the Military Family Advisory Network and joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss her organization.

The Sam Page-Phil Berger race may go down in North Carolina history on multiple levels. It could lead to the ouster of Berger, who has led the State Senate for decades. At the end of Tuesday night, Page unofficially led Berger by only two votes, making it the tightest major North Carolina election in state history. Western Carolina University political science professor Chris Cooper discuss what happens in this race going forward.

A high-stakes battle for power over the state appellate courts is now teed up following the results of Tuesday night’s primaries. Administrative Law Judge Michael Byrne secured the Republican nomination. Byrne joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss his victory.

As expected, Roy Cooper won the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate. The former two-term Governor triumphed again on Tuesday night, continuing a political career in North Carolina where he has never lost in nearly 50 years as a candidate. Now, he faces National Republican Party Committee Chairman Michael Whatley in November’s general election. David McLennan, a Meredith College Political Science Professor, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss primary day.

If the unofficial results stand, the most powerful man in North Carolina politics has lost his seat by two votes. Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page leads Senate President Phil Berger in the Republican primary for the 26th district State Senate seat. Berger has represented the district for 25 years. Former North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the primary results.

The price of oil is seeing an uptick in the wake of the Iranian conflict. Experts warn that consumers might soon pay more for gas. According to Triple-A Carolinas, rising gas prices could be seen this week as the conflict grows in the Middle East. Tiffany Wright of AAA Carolinas joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how high gas prices could reach.

Cherene Allen-Caraco Founder of the Promise Resource Network) Peer-run organization opens recovery hub and cafe in downtown Raleigh to help community recover from traumaPromise Resource Network is a peer-run organization that aims to help communities recover from trauma like substance use, homelessness, life after incarceration and mental health challenges. Cherene Allen-Caraco is the founder of the Promise Resource Network. She joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss its origins.

Keep Our Republic, a bipartisan group of former federal judges committed to defending judicial independence and the rule of law, will host a public forum titled “The Judiciary: Constitutional Checks and Balances.” It will be held next week in Raleigh. Judge Allyson Duncan joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Keep Our Republic and their mission.

A Triangle-area congressional race has broken primary spending records in North Carolina. The race between Valerie Foushee and Durham County commissioner Nida Allam for the 4th Congressional district has led to over $4.2 million being spent. Laura Leslie, a longtime local political reporter, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the races on primary day

A North Carolina state trooper and another driver are dead after a wrong-way crash on the Durham Freeway. On Sunday morning, Trooper Steven Perry was killed in a crash by 39-year-old Melshawn Moore of Kinston. Perry was a football player at Riverside High in Durham before moving on to play at N.C. Central. Riverside Athletic Director Robert Duncan joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss his memories of Perry

Iranians in the Triangle are speaking out after the future of Iran as the U.S. and Israel carry out air strikes on the country. On Saturday, Iranian TV confirmed that air strikes killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Beth Dehghan, a member of the Iranian American Community of NC, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the air strikes

Purim is celebrated on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Adar — beginning this year on March 2nd at nightfall and ending at nightfall on March 3rd. It comes amid another turbulent time in America as the U.S. airstrikes on Iran. Now, the Trump administration isn’t ruling out putting boots on the ground in the Middle East. Rabbi Mendy Wilshansky of the Chabad of Raleigh joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the air strikes and Purim.

Consumer Reports is celebrating its 90th birthday. A new exhibit at Duke University’s library shines some light on the many ways the publication influences consumer behavior and helps shoppers make better, smarter and safer decisions. Jacqueline Wachholz, Director of Duke’s Hartman Center for Sales, Advertising and Marketing History, joined Bruce Ferrell to discuss the exhibit.

The UNC Board of Governors have given approval to a tuition hike for most schools - for the first time in almost a decade. Most schools will see an in-state increase of three percent. Current students will not be impacted by the increases -- if they graduate within four years …Four schools still offer lower tuition through the North Carolina Promise Program. Adolfo Alvarez, the student body president at UNC-Chapel Hill, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the increase.

Through fundraisers and donation drives, the Morrisville community is lending a helping hand to those affected by Monday night's fire at the Camden Westwood Apartments. Natalie Wu, with the Carolina Asian Alliance, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how her organization is helping and why this is personal for her.

A new study from Duke Health suggests a simple blood test may help predict who is more likely to live longer. Researchers found that small RNA molecules known as piRNAs can accurately indicate whether older adults are likely to survive at least two more years. Virginia Byers Kraus, a professor in the Duke University School of Medicine, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the study.

Morrisville town officials say the cause of Monday night's fire at the Camden Westwood apartments is still under investigation, but say they know where it started. Roughly 70 people are without a home as a result of the fire. State Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey’s office is trying to help people recover from the blaze. Causey joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss their efforts.

President Trump has used his State of the Union address to sell a booming America, even as voters worry about the economy. He says the country is “bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever.” He also celebrates the 250th anniversary of American independence and promises more progress. Chris Cooper, Western Carolina University Political Science professor, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the address.

The new Coastal Plain League team in Zebulon officially has a nickname. The Zebulon Devil Dogz will start play at Five County Stadium this summer. The name of the Devil Dogz traces back to Zebulon’s history. Caleb Whittemore joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how they chose the new nickname

President Donald Trump used a record-length State of the Union on Tuesday to argue that the country is “winning” under his leadership, even as his approval ratings slide. He focused on jobs, manufacturing and an economy he says is stronger than many Americans believe. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss his feelings about the marathon address

With North Carolina’s spring wildfire season arriving at a time when most of the state is experiencing moderate to severe drought, the N.C. Forest Service is urging the public to apply best practices and common sense with all outdoor fire, especially yard debris burns. Phillip Jackson, spokesman for the north Carolina Forest Service, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the best tips to stay safe.

President Donald Trump suffered a rare rebuke when the Supreme Court ruled against his tariff agenda. The decision Friday throws U.S. trade policy back into uncertainty. Andrew Greenland, N.C. State Assistant Professor of Economics, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what impact the Supreme Court’s decision will have on consumers.

Six planets are linking up in the sky at the end of February, and most will be visible to the naked eye. It's what's known as a planetary parade, which happens when multiple planets appear to line up in the sky at once. Amy Sayle, Science Education Specialist with the Morehead Planetarium, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how people can see the display

Last week, former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad OchoCinco made a stop at Raleigh’s Rialto Theater. It came after an appearance on the podcast “Night Cap,” where OchoCinco pronounced Raleigh “Rah-lee-ah.” Hayes Permar is the owner of the Rialto Theater and decided to welcome OchoCinco in a unique way. Permar joined Jeff Hamlin.

African Americans have served proudly in every great American war. In 1866, through an act of Congress, legislation was adopted to create six all African American Army units.These fighting men represented the first Black professional soldiers in a peacetime army, also known as the Buffalo Soldiers. Today, 45 chapters across the U.S. promote the legacy and accomplishments of these regiments . Gayle Hurd talked with Trooper/Dr. Richard Kingsberry, inaugural president of the Greater North Carolina Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers about their history and their upcoming 30th Anniversary celebration

This week, we’re recognizing National Caregivers Day, and here in North Carolina, thousands of families are quietly caring for loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Many don’t realize there are free resources available to help them navigate services and plan for the future. Ruth Garfinkel, Program Director for Family Connect at TLC - The Tammy Lynn Center, joins Gayle Hurd to talk about the services they provide.

Anna Jordan started the AnnaBanna Jewelry brand out of her dorm room at UNC-Chapel Hill. It has grown so much, she has taken it to retail stores across the Triangle. Jordan talked with Jeff Hamlin about how she grew her idea out of college into the real world

In the leadup to the Civil War, Somerset Place was one of North Carolina’s largest plantations with over 800 slaves overall located right along Lake Phelps. Located in Criswell, North Carolina, several documents and original items are still intact on the plantation. Karen Hayes is the site manager for Somerset Place. She joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss its history.

The United States men’s hockey team has won the gold medal in the Winter Olympics for the first time since the Miracle on Ice in 1980. Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin returned to the United States victorious, though he played against his Hurricanes teammate Seth Jarvis, a forward for Canada. Longtime Triangle sports talk show host Adam Gold hosts the Canes Corner podcast. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what America’s victory means for the NHL

People around the world have been calling for peace since the start of the Ukraine-Russian war. Nataliia Bondarenko works for the Center for Slavic, Eurasian and East European Studies at UNC-Chapel Hill and is a native of Ukraine who came to the United States as the war started. Bondarenko joined Jeff Hamlin to reflect on four years since the war started.On March 8 at 3:00 PM, at Moeser Auditorium (UNC–Chapel Hill), we present the Ukrainian Lullaby Concert, developed in collaboration with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute.In North Carolina, Ukrainian women — most of them refugees — wrote lullabies for their children. They wrote about leaving home, fear, love, and new life in the middle of war.These are not just songs. They are personal stories — told in the most intimate form.The program brings these new works together with traditional Ukrainian lullabies and an international repertoire, including a Yiddish lullaby (“Rozhinkes mit Mandlen”), works connected to Beethoven, and “Summertime,” often linked to the Ukrainian lullaby “Oy Khodyt Son Kolo Vikon.” Performed by professional musicians, the concert is both artistically strong and deeply human.This is not just a concert. It is a way to listen — to women who carried their children to safety and continue to create, sing, and hold on to culture.

Krzyzewskiville, the tent city Duke University students inhabit in the lead-up to the annual home men’s basketball game against UNC, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Over the years, Duke students have braves cold temperatures to get the first seats inside Cameron Indoor Stadium to watch their beloved Blue Devils face North Carolina. Aidan McCarthy and Claire Raney are the line monitors at Krzyzewskiville this year. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the atmosphere this year.

The Winter Olympics winds to a close this weekend. It has been a memorable experience for Avery Bales a student-journalist at the UNC Hussman School of Journalism. Bales talked about her experiences in Italy with Jeff Hamlin

The former Prince Andrew has been arrested by British police on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his links to Jeffrey Epstein. The arrest Thursday was an extraordinary move in a country where authorities once sought to shield the royal family from embarrassment. It was the first time in nearly four centuries that a senior British royal was placed under arrest, and it underscored how deference to the monarchy has eroded in recent years. Thane Rosenbaum, CBS News legal analyst, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the bombshell news.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has reported 22 new measles cases in North Carolina since late December 2025. As cases continue to rise across the state, NCDHHS urges vaccination for everyone ages one year and older. Dr. Zack Moore, State Epidemiologist, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest measles numbers.

“Soccer is Football” is a book that explores the global game through the lenses of history, culture, data, and human storytelling—particularly in the context of the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Raymond Elume is the author of Soccer is Football and joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the book.

Investigators in the Nancy Guthrie disappearance say DNA from gloves did not match any entries in a national database. CODIS is a valuable storehouse of DNA taken from crime suspects or people with convictions. Any hits could identify possible suspects in the Guthrie saga, which reached a 17th day Tuesday. Anna Schecter of CBS News joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest in the Guthrie case.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson kept up his more than half-century-long fight for civil and human rights through his final years despite challenges over his health, the coronavirus pandemic, racial injustice and political divisions. Whether appearing at the funerals of Black people killed by police or participating in COVID-19 vaccination drives to address hesitancy in communities of color, Jackson built on a life in public advocacy that included running for president, international diplomacy and influencing the lexicon of racial identity in America. Former Durham State Senator Floyd McKissick joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss his memories of Jesse Jackson.

There’s plenty different about the North Carolina-N.C. State men’s basketball rivalry this year. For starters, they’re playing only once. With transfers coming and going from teams annually, there’s hardly any time for players to stay at one school long enough to build any animosity. Tim Peeler is a N.C. State University historian. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss whether the UNC-N.C. State rivalry has lost some of its luster.

Remembrances are coming for civil rights leader Jesse Jackson -- who has died at age 84. Jackson graduated from North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro in 1964. Irving Joyner, N.C. Central University law professor, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss his memories of Jesse Jackson.

Actor Robert Duvall died on Sunday at the age of 95. Duvall had a career that spanned over 7 decades and is best known for his roles in The Godfather and its sequel and the epic war film Apocalypse Now. Jim Carl, the Director of Film for the Carolina Theatre, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to talk about Duvall's career and the legacy he leaves on Hollywood and film as a whole.

In the early 2000s, the best rivalry in college basketball wasn’t Duke-North Carolina. It was Duke-Maryland. The Blue Devils and the Terrapins met four times in 2001, including a legendary matchup in the Final Four and a classic Duke comeback at Cole Field House in January. Now, Vice TV is taking a look back at the animosity that surrounded Duke-Maryland 25 years ago. Peter Gaffney, President of Global TV at VICE Media, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the new documentary.

The Raleigh Wide Open Music Festival will return next October. The festival, which is produced by nonprofit PineCone, celebrates live music and the arts with three days of events. David Brower, the Executive Director of PineCone, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what’s planned for next fall.

The first couple visited Fort Bragg to meet with special forces who captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, as Venezuelan communities across the state paid close attention. A North Carolina man with deep ties Venezuela said it’s far more complex than taking a leader down and propping up a new one. Marcel Jara, the co-owner of Arepa Culture in Raleigh, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the situation in Venezuela and how it has impacted his country.

Experience the magic of Broadway with the one you love this Valentine's weekend as the NC Symphony and guest vocalists perform showstoppers from beloved shows like Wicked, Rent, Hamilton, The Phantom of the Opera, and more at "Bravo Broadway", this weekend at Meymandi Concert Hall. Gayle Hurd spoke with guest vocalist LaKisha Jones, who takes these hits from the broadway stage to the symphony about the show and her time on American Idol!

Whenever the situation with the Smith Center and the UNC men’s basketball team plays itself out, the UNC women’s basketball team will be impacted. After playing inside Carmichael Arena for decades, the UNC women will leave the building at some point over the next few years. R.L. Bynum is a writer for Tar Heel Tribune. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the end of basketball at Carmichael.